About
Creative Claret is a Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Approved Programme Provider (APP Licence 2192). We offer the WSET® Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 Awards in Wines, delivered in Cairns and across North Queensland by WSET Certified Educator Chris Ford DipWSET, alongside selected industry collaborators.
Educators
Chris Ford DipWSET

I believe the best wine education builds confidence, not complexity. My role as an educator is to help people understand wine in a way that feels clear, practical, and enjoyable, whether they are working in the industry or simply passionate about learning more.
As the lead educator at Creative Claret, I deliver WSET courses that balance structure with curiosity, combining theory, tasting, and real-world context. I work closely with students and hospitality teams to support their learning journey, always with a focus on thoughtful discussion and shared understanding.
Originally from South Africa, my background spans sommelier work, international wine sales, and education. These experiences shape how I teach, bringing together technical knowledge, commercial insight, and a grounded, supportive approach in the classroom.
I’m a WSET Certified Educator and hold the WSET Diploma (Level 4) in Wines, alongside qualifications from the Michael Fridjhon Wine Judging Academy, the Cape Wine Academy, and the University of Cape Town Graduate School of Business.
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